Report

The opening ceremony and MoC (memorandum of cooperation) signing ceremony for the “Japan-ASEAN Science and Technology Innovation Platform: Promotion of Sustainable Development Research (JASTIP)” took place in Bangkok, Thailand. This innovation platform is part of the Strategic International Collaborative Research Programs (SICORP) organized by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST).

Held at the Japanese ambassador’s residence, the ceremonies were attended by over 100 people, including government officials, university faculty, and people from the private sector operating in Thailand.

The opening ceremony began with an address by Mr Kazuo Todani, Deputy Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, which was followed by congratulatory addresses by Mr Hideo Fukushima, Minister (Deputy Chief of Mission) of the Embassy of Japan in Thailand, Dr Weerapong Pairsuwan, Deputy Minister of the Thai Ministry of Science and Technology, Ms Yoshiko Shirokizawa, Executive Director of JST, and Dr Alexander A Lim, chief of the science and technology division of ASEAN Secretariat.

Following the ceremony, Professor Yasuyuki Kono, Director of KU’s Center for Southeast Asian Studies and the representative of JASTIP, delivered his presentation on the project. Professor Kono explained that the JASTIP’s goal is to promote research on sustainable development at the initiative of researchers in Japan and ASEAN countries in order to promote social innovations that help make sustainable societies. This will carry forward by focusing on three global challenges Japan and ASEAN countries face: environment and energy, bioresources and biodiversity, and disaster prevention. Professor Kono also noted that the platform for cooperation in science and technology between Japan and ASEAN countries should enhance the visibility of these projects.

The MoC signing ceremony for JASTIP took place afterwards. The representatives of three satellite platforms, Dr Thaweesak Koanantakool, President of Thai National Science and Technology Development Agency, Dr Iskandar Zulkarnain, Chairman of the Indonesian Institute of Sciences, and Dr Wahid Omar, Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, signed the MoC, which was brought to the venue with an advance signature by President Yamagiwa. Representing Kyoto University on behalf of President Yamagiwa, Professor Kayo Inaba, KU’s Executive Vice-President, witnessed the signing.

A press conference also took place to publicize JASTIP while participants discussed how to promote exchange among Japan and ASEAN countries at a reception.